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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

The Workout Log and Fried Chicken

Are you starting a new workout routine for the new year? If so, might I suggest you keep some sort of workout log? I track what I do each time I go to the gym or for a run, cycling, etc.

I get a few things out of keeping a workout log. First, it helps me remember what the heck I'm doing. I have 3 sets of weight training routines and 2 sets of abs routines. I wouldn't know if I was coming or going without my log. The other thing I do is make notes for the future - as in, "next time increase to 10 pounds." Or I'll make notes if a certain exercise hurts or if I'm sore.

Second, I get a sense of satisfaction as I check off when things are done and when I write my final time and calories burned at the end. Having a record just makes it all the more real.

But probably the biggest thing I get is a record to review. When did I start doing these tricep kickbacks? When did I last increase weights on this exercise? How long have I been doing Level 4 on the bike? You get the idea. I remember it came in very handy when my lower back starting hurting. I could look back to see if the back pain issues started at a time when I made workout changes.

What I usually do is fill in all the exercises and weights (copied from the previous time I did them) while I'm warming up for cardio. Then, once I'm done with cardio I just check them off as I do them. Like I said, it's rewarding. You don't have to have one of these "workout log" books, just a notebook will do fine. Whatever you decide to use I recommend spiral bound - you need somewhere to keep your pen.

Alright - on to the heart of the matter. My last post was on New Year's Eve and now here we are in 2012. What have done thus far? Well, I finally broke down and had some fried chicken. What a way to start the new year! Let me tell you how it started...

It was the first day of the new year. Miguel was off playing golf. I had a mom friend over for a playdate. She showed up with a bottle of champagne (Thanks Monique!). Can I drink champagne and still go to the gym this afternoon? Sure - I'll only have a couple glasses and then drink tons of water. So we're cruising along watching the kids play and enjoying the bubbly. I mention I will be going to the gym later and Monique points out they might be closed - it is 1/1 after all. That's right! They are closed today. Let's order chinese food! Don't ask me about the connection, I have no answer.

Well, lo and behold all the chinese food places are closed. All for the best. So I make a salad and some potstickers instead and I really enjoyed the champagne. Later in the day I headed out for some errands. I took way longer than planned and would be getting home almost at dinner time. That's when I had the bright idea to pick up fried chicken on the way home. It was quite tasty. I had a moment's thought about the new year, resolutions, diet, etc thing and then I let that go. 1. I'm not on a diet. 2. I'm not doing resolutions. And 3. Fried chicken is good. All things in moderation, right?

Since I missed the gym on Sunday I went yesterday - Monday. I started with the upright bike for 25 minutes. Man, it's been harder than usual lately. All I can guess is all the running is doing something weird to my leg muscles. It's true I used to ride the bike 2-3 times a week and now I only ride 2 times a week but that doesn't seem like enough to make it harder. Eh, who knows? All I know is I did it. Then I did chest/triceps/core work. I am still really enjoying the challenge of pushups but they really are a challenge. I even find myself grunting on the last few. Good thing my ability to be embarrassed is mostly worn off. My poor kids, I think I might be that mom that embarrasses them when they are older.

So this morning I took a peek at the scale and I'm up by about 1.5 pounds. No surprise there. You eat fried chicken, drink champagne, eat chocolate (oh, did I forget to mention the chocolate?) and that's what happens. Good thing is I have the rest of the week to hopefully pull it together. But if not, I can tolerate a small gain this week. Small though - not 1.5 pounds hopefully.

Today I have a 3 mile run. My schedule also includes the gym but I'm doing a 1:1 pilates session so I'm going to wait and see how that goes before I commit to weight training. As strong as I feel those free body exercises always kill me! The pilates is one of those groupon type packages I bought where I get one 1:1 session and 3 group classes. I've always wanted to try it. I'll keep you posted!

I hope the new year is going well for you so far! Remember, slow and steady and strive for imperfection!!!